Happy New Year!
A New Year's Eve night to remember at Oliver’s on the Cape Fear in Southport, NC:
Filet Mignon & Crab Cakes That Steal the Show
A group of 8 of us chose Oliver's for our New Year's Eve dinner. We hadn't been here for some time and luckily our group was able to get reservations. I'm so happy we went there! If you're looking for a place where impeccable food, stunning views, and a welcoming atmosphere come together in perfect harmony, look no further than Oliver’s on the Cape Fear. Nestled along the scenic Cape Fear River, this charming restaurant offers not only breathtaking views of the water but also a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. I can confidently say it was a night to remember. Everyone enjoyed their meal, all of the food was excellent. I'm only commenting on a few of the meals below but everyone's meal was perfect and that's part of what made our evening so special and our desire to return.
The Setting: Waterfront Dining at Its Best
The moment you step into Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its riverside location. Although we were dining here at night, you can still look out at the water and the ambience is warm and cozy. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Cape Fear River, making it an ideal spot for both romantic dinners and special celebrations. Whether you're dining inside, with the soft ambiance of the wood-paneled interior, or enjoying the fresh air on the patio, the setting is nothing short of perfect.
The Meal: Filet Mignon
Filet Mignon
When it comes to steak, the Filet Mignon at Oliver’s was exactly what we were looking for. My husband and I each ordered a Filet Mignon and shared an appetizer of the bacon wrapped scallops. The filet comes with a vegetable and I chose a fresh side salad and received that first along with the timing of the groups appetizers or soup. It was large, fresh and came with my favorite dressing, peppercorn ranch. For the filet I ordered it cooked to medium-rare perfection, and it arrived as tender and juicy as one could hope for. The steak was beautifully seared on the outside, and the interior was melt-in-your-mouth soft. My husband's filet dinner was ordered cooked medium and he was happy with how it came out as well. Accompanying the filet was a flavorful Demi glaze—that complemented the steak without overpowering its natural flavor. The portion size was generous, but not overwhelming, and paired perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Additions are available to add to the filet. I chose a crab cake so I could try it. I was expecting a small crab cake to top the filet, but it was large and came on a separate plate, perfectly flavored with fresh crabmeat and filling and expertly cooked.
For an appetizer he ordered the bacon wrapped scallops. They were cooked perfectly, four of them, with 2 scallops on each stick. The flavor was perfectly fresh and the scallop when bitten into was tender the way a scallop should be. I will go back again just to get those because they were soooo good! Finally, an excellent scallop tasting the way I remember them from the best seafood restaurants on the shoreline of CT. Every bite of our meals were a testament to the kitchen's skill and commitment to quality ingredients.
Crab Cakes
One of our friends in our party, had a meal of Crab Cakes, which were amazing. Often, crab cakes can be a bit too bread-heavy, but Oliver’s gets it just right. As with the crab cake side to my filet, her cakes were packed with sweet, tender crab meat, held together by just enough binding to maintain their shape without compromising the delicate texture. The flavor was divine—perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice and served with a remoulade sauce that provided the ideal balance of tang and creaminess. Paired with sautéed spinach, the crab cakes were wonderful and left us wishing we could have another round.
Service: Impeccable and Attentive
What truly made the experience even more enjoyable was the exceptional service. From the moment we sat down, our server was excellent! He was attentive without being overbearing, pleasant, knowledgeable and ensuring that our glasses were always full. It’s clear that Oliver’s on the Cape Fear takes pride in both its food and its customer experience, making it a place where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. With a table of eight, he got every appetizer and main meal right. The bonus was that the timing of all meals was perfect and each meal also cooked to perfection and tasted amazing.
The Overall Experience:
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area, Oliver’s on the Cape Fear is the perfect spot for a special evening out. The combination of superb food, a breathtaking waterfront location, and excellent service makes it a standout dining destination. The Filet Mignon dinners and Crab Cakes dinner was nothing short of perfection, and the atmosphere added the final touch to a memorable night.
Conclusion:
If you find yourself in the area, make sure to visit Oliver’s on the Cape Fear. The Filet Mignon and Crab Cakes are two dishes that absolutely should not be missed. I look forward to returning soon to explore more of their menu and to once again enjoy an unforgettable dining experience by the river.
Have you visited Oliver’s on the Cape Fear before? Let me know about your favorite dishes in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
For more reviews and dining recommendations, follow me on Instagram (@allthingsfoodienc) as well for my foodie adventures, dining experiences and sometimes recipes!
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